In the wake of the attack, Cyrus posted an impassioned message on Instagram in which she encouraged followers to call the massacre what it was: a white man exacting terrorism. "This is a TERRORIST act by a WHITE AMERICAN MAN! I am heartbroken & embarrassed. Mortified by our country & its s----- system , lack of control/laws! This does NOT HAVE or NEED to happen! It's devastatingly disgusting!"

For as much praise and support as the message drew, the note also stirred up critics who admonished Cyrus for acknowledging the man's race. Cyrus stood firm, though, and said it is important to point out that the man was white, particularly when people of color are often vilified for nonviolent crimes, or no crimes at all. "You are not focused on the horrific tragedy I addressed but more angered that I am putting a BIG bright spotlight on the fact it was a "WHITE AMERICAN MALE" terrorist," she began. "[But] it sure matters to the cops when they beat or even kill innocent people of color , it even matters at the airport/on an airplane or in immigration when folks are completely profiled & judged for their background...Trump never needed to build a wall for us , we've done it ourselves!"